ভূমিকা

We cannot fathom the magnificence of the word “Bismillah” however it suffices for us to know that according to Imam Ar-Ridha’ (AS) as cited in Tafseer Al ‘Ayaashi, when asked about the greatest verse in the Qur’an, he said “Bismillah Al-Rahman Al-Raheem” is closer to Allah’s greatest name than the whiteness of the eye (sclera) to its blackness (pupil).” This expression is so magnificent and so concise that all but one chapter of the Qur’an (Surah Al Tawba) begins with the words Bismillah Al-Rahman Al-Raheem .

It has often been said that the phrase Bismillah Al-Rahman Al-Raheem contains the true essence of the entire Qur'an as well as the true quintessence of all religions. The common translation of this phrase fails to capture the true depth of meaning or the inspirational message of this beautiful expression. It is by pronouncing the name of God and through His compassion and mercy that we as servants begin the discourse with Allah (SWT) in the supplication of Salawat Sha’baniyyah .

The peak of servitude of a creation is to submit to His kingdom by admitting His superiority as well as His absolute attributes. The phrase “ In the name of” (Bismi) is an idiom having the connotation of with the blessings of, under the governance of , as an instrument of, as a representative of, on behalf of, with the support of, or for the glory of . In each of these cases, the expression “ In the name of” indicates that one is submitting to, honoring or glorifying that which is referred to.

The central idea here is that whatever we do, every step that we take, every breath that we breathe is done for, because of, and through the essence of the One who has created us. As Imam ‘Ali (AS) explains, every creature takes Allah as God when they undergo times of calamity and have needs and have no one to turn to but Him. By calling out Bismillah , it is equivalent to beseeching help from God for all your affairs.